Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Jaekelopterus scale drawing.  The drawing is to be used in a fact sheet on this remarkable, giant arthropod.  Two species have been assigned to the Jaekelopterus genus.  These are J. rhenaniae (Jaekel, 1914) and J. howelli (Kjellesvig-Waering and Størmer, 1952).  The scale drawing is a representative of Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, which is estimated to have had a body length of 2.3 to 2.6 metres. As such, this taxon is one of the largest arthropods known to science.

Jaekelopterus howelli is known from more than two dozen specimens. It was much smaller than J. rhenaniae. At around eighty centimetres long it was more typical of pterygotid eurypterids.

A Jaekelopterus scale drawing. The scale drawing represents the species Jaekelopterus rhenaniae. Based on the remains of a partial claw (chelicera) it is estimated to have had a body length of around 2.3 to 2.6 metres. With the narrow and long chelicerae extended, the total length of this arthropod has been postulated to exceed 3 metres. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read an Everything Dinosaur blog post about the scientific description of J. rhenaniae: Claws! A Giant Eurypterid from the Early Devonian.

Jaekelopterus Scale Drawing

The Jaekelopterus scale drawing is going to be used in a sea scorpion fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus model.

The stunning 1:20 scale CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus rhenaniae model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus is in 1:20 scale.  The model measures an impressive sixteen centimetre long.  It has captured a jawless fish.  It is likely that this giant arthropod hunted early vertebrates.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Sea scorpions in the Pterygotidae family have similar body plans (bauplan). A partial fossil claw (chelicera) found in a quarry in western Germany and assigned to J. rhenaniae measures over thirty-six centimetres long. If it were complete the chelicera would be around forty-five centimetres in length. When this chelicera is scaled up in comparison with other pterygotids a total body length of estimate of 2.3 metres to 2.6 metres is calculated for Jaekelopterus rhenaniae.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that he was looking forward to having this exciting figure in stock.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of a Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). The drawing will be used to help create a fact sheet.  The fact sheet will contain a Columbian mammoth scale drawing.

This prehistoric elephant roamed North America during the Pleistocene.  It is known from numerous fossils, and it is thought that the last of these giant herbivores died out around 10,900 years ago.  As a result, it one of the last North American megafauna to have become extinct.

M. columbi evolved from Mammuthus trogontherii (steppe mammoth) that migrated into North America from Asia during the Early Pleistocene Epoch. The extant Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is the Columbian mammoth’s closest living relative.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of a Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). This prehistoric elephant roamed North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Columbian mammoth is one of the largest mammoth species known.  Males had a shoulder height in excess of four metres.  A large, adult male could weigh more than twelve tonnes.  As such, the Columbian mammoth was much larger that the contemporary Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius).

Why Produce a Columbian Mammoth Scale Drawing?

Why commission a Columbian mammoth scale drawing?  Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that with the imminent arrival of the new for 2025 Eofauna Mammuthus columbi figure, a scale drawing was required for the Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out free to customers.

Mike added:

“The Eofauna Columbian mammoth model will be in stock soon.  We wanted to prepare a fact sheet in plenty to time so that it was ready to be despatched with the first orders for this new figure.”

To view the range of Eofauna figures in stock: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

Our thanks to James, a young artist who sent into Everything Dinosaur an ichthyosaur illustration. It is a fabulous painting of a marine reptile.  James had a little trouble emailing the illustration to us, a special thank you to his sister for helping out.  The beautiful and evocative image reveals plenty of detail.  For example, the huge eye of the ichthyosaur.  The artwork gives the impression that the viewer is observing the marine reptile underwater.

A beautiful, blurry ichthyosaur illustration from James. The illustration gives the impression that we are viewing the marine reptile underwater. Picture credit: James.

Picture credit: James

A Clever Ichthyosaur Illustration

The marine reptile’s anatomy has been carefully observed by the artist.  It seems to be hanging motionless in the water column.  The blurring of the image provides a unique perspective.  It is as if we are viewing the animal from under the water.  It is a clever ichthyosaur illustration.

James has sent several illustrations to Everything Dinosaur.  For instance, last year he dispatched an illustration of a Columbian mammoth.

To view the Columbian mammoth illustration: Excellent Columbian Mammoth Artwork.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked James and his sister Lorraine and stated:

“What an intriguing ichthyosaur illustration.  We are always amazed at how talented some of our customers are.  It is always a pleasure to receive pictures from our customers.  My thanks once again to James and Lorraine.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have commissioned a Lokiceratops scale drawing for use in the company’s free Lokiceratops fact sheet.  The fact sheet on this horned dinosaur will be sent out free with sales of Lokiceratops figures.  The new PNSO Lokiceratops model is due in stock soon. The fact sheet is being prepared as team members await the arrival of the shipment.  It will feature the scale drawing.  Readers of the fact sheet will be able to see just how big Lokiceratops rangiformis was.

Lokiceratops rangiformis scale drawing. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the extensive range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Figures.

The Lokiceratops Scale Drawing

Lokiceratops is one of the largest centrosaurines described to date. Palaeontologists have estimated that this horned dinosaur grew to more than six and a half metres in length, and it may have weighed around five tonnes.  Its fossils were collected from the lower portion of the McClelland Ferry Member of the Judith River Formation in northern Montana.  Lokiceratops was formally named and described last year (2024).

Most of the skull is known, although the lower jaw was absent. Postcranial material includes vertebrae, hip bones and the right scapula and coracoid. Lokiceratops possessed two, enormous blade-like horns on the back of its frill (epiparietal two). The super-sized epiparietal two horns are relatively larger than any other parietal epiossification within the Centrosaurinae.

The new for 2025 PNSO Frederik the Lokiceratops dinosaur model.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that he researched and then wrote each Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.

He added:

“The Lokiceratops scale drawing is one of about a dozen prehistoric animal drawings that we have commissioned over the last few months.  With all these new prehistoric animal models coming into stock, we have a lot of fact sheets to prepare.”

Visit the award-winning and customer friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an Ingentia prima drawing. We are thrilled to announce that this drawing will be used in our free fact sheet.  The Ingentia fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Ingentia prima model. Our unique fact sheet will allow dinosaur enthusiasts to gain a deeper appreciation of one of the largest terrestrial animals known from the Triassic.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a drawing of the Late Triassic sauropodiform from northwestern Argentina. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A silhouette of a person will be added to the Ingentia prima drawing to help fact sheet readers to understand the scale and size of this lizard-hipped dinosaur.  Furthermore, other drawings had been commissioned in preparation for the arrival of more of the new for 2025 figures.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

An Ingentia prima Drawing

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is wonderful to see CollectA introducing models representing Early Triassic prehistoric animals into their range.”

The new for 2025 CollectA Ingentia prima dinosaur model.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2018 about the discovery and naming of this huge Triassic dinosaur: Triassic Dinosaurs Just Got a Lot Bigger!

The UK-based mail order company researches and writes lots of prehistoric animal fact sheets.  Moreover, they are sent out to customer free of charge. In addition, teachers can request access to these free fact sheets. This fact sheet creating initiative enhances the customer unboxing experience.  Furthermore, it also enriches the knowledge of our community. The fact sheets help to inform and educate.

To read an informative article about sauropodiforms: Prosauropods and a Helpful Explanation of Scientific Terms.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Figures.

Recently, Everything Dinosaur posted up an article featuring the artist Richard Bizley.  There are many fans of Richard Bizley art, and it is always a pleasure to feature his illustrations.  Richard has had a lifelong obsession with art, astronomy and the natural sciences. As a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists his paintings have been used to depict astonishing views of our solar system and beyond. Working mostly in acrylics, Richard has also built up an extensive portfolio of fabulous illustrations that highlight our planet’s history.

He paints a variety of subjects including palaeontology, biology and astronomy.  The palaeontology artwork covers the Earth’s formation right up to the Quarternary and the evolution of hominins.

The artwork illustrates the variety and diversity of flora present in the Early Cretaceous prior to the domination of the angiosperms (flowering plants). Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Artwork of Richard Bizley

Richard enjoys illustrating a wide variety of prehistoric animals including dinosaurs.  Moreover, the artwork often highlights other aspects of the ecosystem with animals like dinosaurs featuring in the background.  For example, the artwork (above) highlights the flora of the Mesozoic whilst a Mantellisaurus and flying pterosaurs can be seen in the background.

This painting shows some of the plants that grew during Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. In the background are some Monkey Puzzle trees, sequoias and other gymnosperms (pine trees). In the foreground are two species of seed plants – Bennetittales. These plants were cycad-like, but they formed into small shrubs. These had flowers and there is evidence that insects such as the butterfly-like lacewings (kalligrammatids) fertilised the plants, some even had eyespots! This is a good example of convergent evolution. The kalligrammatids appeared 165 million years ago and became extinct around 120 million years ago. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) probably appeared 45 million years later. The two species (Bennetittales) shown here are Wielandiella angustifolia and Kimmerella densifolia.

To visit Richard Bizley’s website: Bizley Art.

Magical Marine Reptiles

Richard Bizley’s paintings of marine reptiles brilliantly capture an ethereal quality that transports viewers into a mesmerizing underwater world.  For example, the illustration (below) depicts a juvenile plesiosaur swimming with its mother in moonlit waters.

An adult plesiosaur accompanied by a juvenile swim close to the surface on a moon-lit night. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Richard Bizley masterfully recreates prehistoric landscapes and long extinct creatures. He uses his considerable scientific insight to illustrate life in the past. In addition, his boundless imagination has allowed him to create amazing images depicting our solar system and beyond.”

Our thanks to Richard for allowing us to share some of his wonderful artwork.

Richard Bizley is a talented artist based in Dorset. He has a lifelong passion for art, astronomy and the natural sciences. This passion fuels his creativity and inspires his remarkable work.  We have known Richard for many years.  Indeed, we have several of his illustrations of prehistoric fauna and flora around our house.  You may have come across his amazing artwork, it has featured in numerous books, magazines and other publications.  Indeed, we have featured Richard Bizley’s art on this blog previously.

Our article from 2019 that highlights Richard’s work in a book explaining the emergence of giant arthropods during the Carboniferous and the eventual demise of these bizarre ecosystems: “Carboniferous Giants and Mass Extinction”.

His work encourages us to appreciate both the history of our own planet as well as the wonders of the universe.  Richard has a deep understanding of his subjects.  For example, his knowledge of palaeontology and the fossil record helps him to create realistic prehistoric scenes. He often features prehistoric animals and events that are often overlooked by other artists, bringing them to life with remarkable detail and imagination.

The southwestern United States at the end of the Triassic. The skeleton of a large phytosaur (Redondasaurus) lies exposed on a dried-up lakebed. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

The picture (above) shows a scene from the end of the Triassic. During this time in Earth’s history there was a mass extinction event, probably caused by dramatic global warming as a result of extensive volcanic activity. A skeleton of a phytosaur, a Redondasaurus, lies forlorn on a dried-up lakebed in this harsh and unyielding environment. The once abundant phytosaurs became extinct along with many other types of reptiles such as the aetosaurs and the rauisuchians.

The Remarkable Art of Richard Bizley

As a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, Richard stands out in his field. His paintings capture the beauty of life on Earth and the wonders of the cosmos. Richard’s illustrations document significant moments in the long history of Earth.  For instance, he has produced many compositions that illustrate our planet not long after its formation.

The early history of our planet is captured in this image of the Hadean Eon. The super-heated and molten surface is subjected to frequent impacts from asteroids, comets and other space debris left over from the formation of the planets. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

Illustrating the Mesozoic

Much of his work portrays life during the “Age of Dinosaurs”. However, Richard often chooses to highlight some of the lesser-known animals that co-existed with the dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and pterosaurs.  His extensive knowledge of palaeontology permits him to put into the spotlight some of the incredible invertebrates and other creatures that thrived during the Mesozoic. Often his work is devoid of vertebrates.  For example, the illustration (below) is dominated by crinoids (sea lilies). It depicts a shallow marine seascape during the Bathonian faunal stage of the Middle Jurassic.

A scene showing the seafloor during the late Bathonian stage of the Middle Jurassic. Crinoids dominate the seascape, but brachiopods and sea urchins also thrive. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

The seafloor is shown carpeted with two types of crinoids. The taller stalked crinoids (Isocrinus) and the stalk-less comatulid crinoids (Eocomatula). Eocomatula crinoids were able to swim as highlighted in this captivating image. Also on the seafloor are some brachiopod shells, and a spiny sea urchin (Acrosalenia).

Our thanks to Richard for sending into us some examples of his remarkable artwork.

For further example of the work of Richard Bizley and to purchase prints: Richard Bizley Art.

Our thanks to Alex who sent into Everything Dinosaur a fabulous T. rex drawing.  We had the pleasure of meeting Alex earlier this year and this budding artist is a keen collector of prehistoric animal figures.  Alex explained that green was used for the skin to represent the green in Everything Dinosaur’s logo. Each scale was individually shaded.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur with the superb Tyrannosaurus rex illustration created by Alex. Picture credit: Alex/Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Alex/Everything Dinosaur

Celebrating Young Artists: A T. rex Drawing

We enjoy receiving creative contributions from our customers.  This is a fantastic dinosaur drawing. It highlights the imagination of the artist. Moreover, we are flattered to hear that our logo inspired the green colour scheme.

Alex enclosed a short letter with the illustration. It explained that originally the Tyrannosaurus rex drawing was created on a tablet.  Once satisfied with the digital drawing, it was just a question of printing out a copy and despatching it to us.  At Everything Dinosaur, we encourage artists, it is great to be able to view their artwork. We believe in nurturing this talent. Every drawing tells a unique story.

This artwork reminds us of the joy dinosaurs bring. They inspire creativity and curiosity.  We are always keen to hear ideas and to see illustrations and prehistoric animal drawings.

In the letter, Alex confirmed the purchase of the new Beasts of the Cenozoic Smilodon populator figure. Furthermore, a quick Smilodon sketch was included.

In the letter accompanying the T. rex drawing, Alex included a sketch of the Beasts of the Cenozoic Smilodon. Picture credit: Alex/Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Alex/Everything Dinosaur

This is not first time that Alex has sent a Smilodon illustration to Everything Dinosaur.  Back in 2023, we received an illustration of a sabre-toothed cat and an Allosaurus.

To see these two illustrations: Smilodon and Allosaurus Drawings Sent by Young Dinosaur Fan.

Alex explained that the black Smilodon populator figure was a favourite.  This is one of the new figures recently introduced into the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cenozoic range.

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cenozoic figures in stock: Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cenozoic Figures.

Thanking our Customers

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented that by highlighting the artwork and illustrations of customers, it builds confidence in young artists.  It also fosters a love for creativity and art.

He added:

“We encourage the sharing of art.  It is always a pleasure to hear ideas and to see illustrations.  We enjoy celebrating creativity.  Hopefully our prehistoric animal models will inspire more young artists.”

Our thanks once again to Alex for sending into Everything Dinosaur the wonderful T. rex drawing.

Visit the award-winning company website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Our thanks to Dominic a young and very knowledgeable dinosaur fan who along with his family visited Everything Dinosaur and presented us with a super dinosaur illustration.  Dominic decided to give us his Koleken dinosaur drawing.  We had met Dominic back in the late spring at a film premiere that Everything Dinosaur had sponsored (Why Dinosaurs?).  He impressed us with his fantastic dinosaur knowledge, so much so that he knew more about a recently described dinosaur (Koleken inakayali), than anyone else at the event.

Dominic’s mum explained that he had been working on a drawing of this new dinosaur and, as it was his birthday, he wanted to come and present us with his Koleken dinosaur drawing. It is a wonderful piece of prehistoric art, and we really appreciate the great care and attention to detail shown by this young artist. We were thrilled to receive Dominic’s drawing and we plan to display it prominently at our offices.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur holding the Koleken dinosaur drawing presented to team members by Dominic and his family. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Koleken Dinosaur Drawing

Koleken (K. inakayali) was formally described earlier this year (Pol et al). it is an abelisaurid and it shared its Late Cretaceous environment with the much bigger, related Carnotaurus (C. sastrei). The fossil material is associated with the La Colonia Formation of Chubut Province (Argentina). The discovery of Koleken inakayali reinforces the view that abelisaurids were the dominant predatory dinosaurs in Gondwana during the Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s recent blog post about Koleken inakayali: A New Abelisaurid from Southern Argentina.

The Koleken is feeding on a saltasauroid titanosaur.  We suspect that this is a representation of Titanomachya.  Titanomachya (T. gimenezi) is also associated with the Colonia Formation. This dinosaur was also described this year (Pérez-Moreno et al). It was relatively small for a titanosaur. Titanomachya is thought to have measured around six metres in length. Fragmentary remains of another titanosaur have been found in the same area. As yet, these fossils have not been scientifically described or formally studied.

The dinosaur drawing from Dominic. A Koleken feasts on a saltasauroid titanosaur (Titanomachya). Picture credit: Dominic.

Picture credit: Dominic

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are honoured to receive this artwork, from a gifted illustrator. It is lovely to see the passion and creativity of dinosaur fans, young and old, come to life through art.”

Helping to Inspire the Next Generation of Palaeoartists

Team members hope that Dominic’s inspiring illustration will encourage more young artists. The company remains committed to fostering the next generation of palaeontologists, palaeontology enthusiasts, and dinosaur fans like Dominic.

At Everything Dinosaur, our team is dedicated to nurturing the passions of young aspiring palaeontologists and palaeoartists.  We believe that encouraging creativity is key to inspiring the next generation of scientific pioneers. Through educational resources, hands-on activities, and personalised feedback, we strive to provide a supportive environment.  An environment in which young dinosaur fans can explore their interests and cultivate the skills needed to turn their dreams of becoming a palaeontologist into reality.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.